Challenger leads Tribal field, all incumbents advance

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal spokesman Frank Cloutier listens to a question during a presentation to the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. Cloutier told the Rotarians that an improving economy will help spur the goal of making central Michigan a tourist destination. Sun photo by MARK RANZENBERGER/@ranzenberger

Challenger Jennifer L. Wassegijig was the top vote-getter in the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe’s primary election on Tuesday, but all incumbents also made the field for November’s election to seat a new Tribal Council.

Wassegijig, who is among a field of 21 seeking 10 seats in the Nov. 7 election, thanked her supporters on social media Tuesday night.

“I would like to thank God for everyone who put their trust in me to make it this far,” she said. “May God be with us all as we move forward to the General Election.”

Frank Cloutier, who has served as chief since his election to the Council two years ago, will face Summer Peters for his seat. Cloutier – who represents District Three members who don’t live on either designated reservation – won 212 votes to 121 for Peters, leading a field of six vying for that seat.

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Advancing to the November election in District One – from the Mt. Pleasant reservation that has 10 seats on the Council – are incumbents including Sub-Chief Brent Jackson, Ronald Ekdahl, Tim Davis, Candace Benzinger, Lindy Hunt, Gayle Ruhl, Dinana Quigno-Grundahl, Kenneth Sprague and Michelle Colwell.

Fisher, a Mt. Pleasant attorney, is also running for a seat on the Mt. Pleasant City Commission – the first candidate ever to seek seats on both boards.

Bailey and Fisher tied for spots 20 and 21.

Rounding out the field are District Two are Incumbent Ronald Nelson and challenger Jonas Wilcox, representing the Saganing reservation, with the winner of the November runoff getting the seat. They are the only two candidates.